Sew a tote bag for a toddler

I thought it was a good idea to sew a tote bag for a toddler. Did you notice that young children like to gather toys in bags?

Someone gave me samples of curtain fabric. They are vintage and colorful, the best choice I could think of.

I was lucky to find panels with flowers in one of the samples.

Supplies to sew a tote bag for a toddler:

• 2 panels (28 x 28 cm, seam allowance included) for the outside and 2 for the lining (same size). If you have some fabric left, cut pockets.
• 2 x 64 cm ribbon for shoulder straps (to be honest, they are a bit too long for a 20m child)
• Mettler Seralon sewing thread in a matching color

Preparation to sew the tote bag:

Cut the pattern pieces and the pockets.

 Overlock the edges of the pockets. Iron a 1 cm seam allowance for the bottom and sides of the pockets. Take 2 cm for the top.

Sew the fold on the top side.

Sew the pockets to the parts for the lining, Edgestitch Foot #10 is a great help:

Edgestitch Foot #10

Excellent for topstitching edges, hems and pleats ✓  Ideal for sewing on lace or ribbon ✓  For reinforcing edges ✓  The guide lets you sew perfect seams and hems running parallel to the edge ✓  For 5.5 mm and 9 mm machines ✓ 

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Continue to sew the bag:

Pin and sew the outside pattern parts together, right sides facing. Leave the top seam open. Do the same for the lining parts. Be sure that the opening of the pockets faces the top of the bag. Do you have a label? Don’t forget to use it.

I use the Open Embroidery Foot #20 to keep a good sight at my work. When guiding along the side of the presser foot and the needle in middle position, I keep a seam allowance of 1 cm.

Open Embroidery Foot #20

Perfect for sewing decorative stitches ✓   Creation of attractive appliqué designs ✓  Allows lines and patterns to be followed precisely ✓   An open form for a clear view of the project ✓  For 5.5 mm and 9 mm machines ✓ 

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It’s not really necessary to overlock, but I like neat edges, so I did it with the BERNINA L 460.

BERNINA L 460

The BERNINA overlocker L 460 offers up to 1500 stitches per minute and ensures beautiful and flexible stitches. The BERNINA L 460 is the perfect overlocker/serger for the creative sewer of knitwear.

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Cut the corners before turning one of the bags inside out.

Insert one of the bags into the other, right sides facing. Put the ribbon in between the two bags and pin.

Sew the top seam of the bag, but leave a 10 cm open to turn the bag.

Iron the top seam and topstitch to close the hole.

Add a second topstitch line to secure the ribbons well.

The bag is finished!

It’s a fun project to sew a tote bag for a toddler.  Don’t let the child let the straps hang over the neck. Be aware of dangerous situations and let the child play with it under supervision.